Exploring Types of Birth Control Pills: Benefits and Considerations
Birth control pills are effective and one of the popular methods in preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual periods, and reducing period cramps.
According to the United Nations 2019 report, approximately 151 million women rely on birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.
The pills are taken orally every day and are convenient to use.
But how many types of birth control pills are available, and are they safe to use?
This comprehensive article will elaborate on the types of birth control pills, their effectiveness, and considerations.
Different types of birth control pills
There are two kinds of birth control pills, such as:
Combination pills
Most birth control pills contain two main hormones, i.e. Estrogen and Progestin.
Thus, these pills are also called combined or combination pills.
There are various forms of birth control pills depending on the dosage of hormones and proportions used.
The combination pills are available in different forms, such as one-phase, two-phase, and three-phase.
Each pill contains the same hormone level in the same proportions as one-phase pills.
However, in two and three-phase pills, the pills have different proportions of hormones based on the phase of the cycle.
There are different packs of birth control pills explained in the following ways:
- 21 days pack: This pack of birth control pills contains 21 tiny tablets that you take daily and then avoid any tablet for the fourth week
- 28 days pack: This birth control pill’s pack has 28 pills, where 21 contain hormones, and the last 7 are placebo pills without hormones
- 91 days pack: The 91-day pack is pills for three months, followed by one week of placebo pills
Mini pills
The other type of pill contains Progestin hormone without Estrogen.
These pills are called Progestin-only pills or mini pills.
It is a reliable hormonal birth control pill for women who cannot tolerate combined pills and women who breastfeed.
Further, mini pills are also safe for people with risks of venous blood clotting.
However, as mini pills offer various benefits, it is necessary to take them with proper discipline.
The pills should be taken daily at the right time without delay. However, if a woman misses one dosage, she must take it within three hours.
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YasminFemilonHow do different birth control pills work
Combination birth control pills contain both hormones and work in the following ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Estrogen prevents ovaries from releasing an egg, also called ovulation
- Progestin thickens the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg
- Progestin results in the thinning of the uterine lining to prevent implantation (attachment of fertilized egg to the uterus)
On the other hand, the mini pill has Progestin and works in the following ways:
- It thickens the cervical mucus
- It results in the thinning of the uterine walls
- The mini pill may also prevent ovulation. However, about half of the people using these pills still ovulate
Pros of different types of birth control pills
The following are the pros of combination pills:
- It is easy to reverse birth control if a woman wants to get pregnant
- Reduce Premenstrual Syndrome
- Relieve from acne
- Regular and short periods
- Low risks of Ovarian, Endometrial, and Colon Cancers
- Reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps
- Improvement in unwanted hair growth due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
The mini pills include the following pros:
- Easy to reverse if a woman wants to get pregnant
- Effective in women susceptible to Estrogen-containing birth control pills
- Effective for women with blood clots, heart problems, high blood pressure, Migraines, and who breastfeed
- Lowers the risks of Endometrial Cancer
Cons of birth control pills
There are some cons of combination birth control pills as follows:
- People must remember to take them daily at the same time
- Skipping pills can reduce their effectiveness
- It can increase blood clots in women who smoke and are above 35
- It can increase risk of heart problems
- Bleeding in between periods
- It does not protect against STDs
- Side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache, mood swings, and weight gain
- It can increase the risk of Breast and Cervical Cancer
Some cons of mini pills are as follows:
- It should be taken daily at the same time
- These pills does not protect against STDs
- It can slightly increase the risk of Ectopic pregnancy
- Side effects, such as low sex drive, acne, weight gain, breast tenderness, and irregular menstrual bleeding
Who should not take birth control pills
For birth control pills, the risk factors are higher for people who have:
- Marked 35 or above
- A history of heart problems and blood clots
- Currently have or had a history of Uterine Cancer
- High blood pressure, blood cholesterol level, or Diabetes
- A habit of smoking
People with these medical conditions or age factors must consult a healthcare practitioner before taking birth control pills.
How do you know which birth control pill is right for you
Most women can take birth control pills safely to prevent pregnancy.
However, certain medical histories or medications can concern people about which birth control is suitable for you.
People can consult their healthcare practitioner and seek prescribed birth control pills depending on their medical history and senstivity to Estrogen-containing pills.
Conclusion
There are two types of birth control pills, i.e., combination birth control pills and mini pills.
Combination pills contain hormones Estrogen and Progestin, whereas mini pills contain Progestin-only.
The combination pills prevent ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and preventing implantation.
On the other hand, a mini pill can thicken cervical mucus and prevent implantation.
There are many pros of combination pills, such as reducing PMS, regular menstrual cycle, and lowering the risks of Ovarian, Endometrial, and Colon Cancers.
Further, mini pills are effective for women with blood clots, high blood pressure, Migraines, and breastfeeding.
However, both types of birth control pills can have certain cons, such as nausea, vomiting, and risks of blood clots.
Therefore, some people should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking birth control pills to prevent consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of birth control pills?
Two types of birth control pills are there. Combination pills contain Estrogen and Progestin, whereas mini pills have Progestin only. Combination pills can prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and prevent implantation. Mini pills can thicken the cervical mucus and prevent implantation.
How many types of birth control pills are there?
Combination birth control pills and mini pills are two main types of birth control pills. These pills are taken orally at the same time to prevent pregnancy. This type of birth control is convenient and reversible, as a woman can discontinue pills if she hopes to conceive.
What is the most popular birth control pill?
The most popular birth control pill is combination pills. It contains Estrogen and Progestin and is taken orally daily. It offers many advantages, such as reducing PMS, relieving acne, and a regular menstrual cycle with light and short periods. However, it may cause side effects like vomiting and headache.
Which pill is best for birth control?
There are two types of birth control pills, i.e., combination and mini pills. Both pills can prevent pregnancy. However, some women may be prescribed mini pills if they are sensitive to Estrogen-containing birth control pills, have high risks of blood clotting, and are breastfeeding.
What is the most common type of pill?
Combination pills are the most common and popular type of birth control pill. These pills contain both hormones, Estrogen and Progestin, to prevent pregnancy and treat menstrual irregularities. However, these pills may cause some side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and headache, and should be taken under a doctor’s prescription.
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